Drug companies put heavy pressure on Prime...

DRUG PATENTS.

June 30, 1986

OTTAWA — DRUG PATENTS. Drug companies put heavy pressure on Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's government about patent protection for new products. The government has come around. New drugs will get patents good for 17 years. Health Minister Jake Epp inadvertently disclosed the government's intention last week before the bill was released for discussion. Michel Cote, consumer and corporate affairs minister, said it will be out today and will be tabled in Parliament in the fall. The bill has a provision for a board to review drug prices. Critics say the longer-term patents will cost consumers millions of dollars in the coming years.